ICAN/ATEX: How can I revive badly stained carpet?

Many cleaning professionals visit the International Custodial Advisers Network (ICAN) Ask the Experts page for insight and, every business day, we deliver advice to better help you perform your job.

Friday’s Question:

I do cleaning for a Headstart school, and now that school is out for the summer, all the furniture is moved, the VCT could use some scrubbing, the carpet is very badly stained with food and drinks.

What is the best method to use to clean the carpet? Hot water extraction did not work because some of the spots resurfaced.

Friday’s Answer:

What is required is a deep restorative process. A child care facility encounters heavy spills and rapid growth of micro-organisms. Hot water extraction works best to destroy dust mites and bacteria, and flush all the critters from the carpet.

First, check the carpet manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures. If bonnet cleaning is prohibited, then your options are limited. If you can use a bonnet, and assuming the carpet is heavily soiled, here is the best approach: